Tag: shop local

Small Business Saturday: How Supporting Local Shops Makes a Big Difference

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to appreciate the heart of our communities—small businesses. On Small Business Saturday, and throughout the holiday season, it’s important to recognize the significant role small businesses play in shaping our local economies and supporting community growth.

Small Businesses: The Backbone of the Economy

With over 34.8 million small businesses in the U.S. employing nearly 59 million people, small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses and account for almost 46% of all jobs. While many small businesses are owned and operated by just one or two people, their economic impact cannot be overstated. Some of today’s small businesses will grow into large employers in the future, further strengthening the economy.

How Small Businesses Strengthen Local Communities

Small businesses are not just job creators; they are vital to the social and economic fabric of their communities. Here’s how:

  • Money stays in the local economy: When you spend money at a small business, it stays within your community. The business owner and employees spend that money locally, creating a ripple effect of local job creation and economic activity.
  • Ability to meet the unique needs of their community: Small business owners have the flexibility to pivot quickly and meet the specific needs of their customers. Without the need for top-down approval, they can respond swiftly to new opportunities, ensuring their businesses are relevant and adaptable.
  • Creates a community identity: Many small businesses have been a cornerstone of their communities for decades. For example, one of the best-known small businesses in our area is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary! These businesses become synonymous with local identity, embodying the history and culture of the area.
  • Involvement in local civic life: Small business owners often participate in community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary clubs, and local initiatives. This active involvement helps address local challenges while creating a sense of shared purpose in the community.
  • Innovation and supporting other small businesses: A local restaurant might source ingredients from nearby farms, or a boutique could sell locally made products. Small businesses frequently collaborate with each other, creating unique shopping experiences and boosting one another’s success.

Show Your Appreciation on Small Business Saturday

As we reflect on the many blessings we have this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to show your gratitude by supporting small businesses this holiday season, especially on Small Business Saturday. Visit local shops, dine at locally owned restaurants, and think about allocating some of your Christmas shopping budget to support your favorite small businesses. When you shop local, you’re investing directly in the future of your community.

If you’ve heard about any small business owners giving back to the community or supporting charitable causes, take a moment to recognize their contributions. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.

A Special Note to Small Business Owners

If you’re a small business owner, remember to be grateful for your customers—they don’t have to shop with you, they choose to. Showing appreciation can take many forms, from offering special perks like gift wrapping or loyalty programs, to simply offering a friendly smile or a kind word. It’s a great time to strengthen the relationship with your customers and show them you value their support.

The Power of Kind Words

In this busy season, both customers and business owners can benefit from a kind word of thanks. After all, as the old saying goes: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Small Business Saturday!

May you experience joy and blessings this season, and may your small business continue to thrive in the coming year!

How Will You Use Your Economic Impact Check?

By now you have likely received your third economic impact, or stimulus, check from the government. The stated intent of these checks was two-fold: to assist those whose income has been negatively impacted by covid and to stimulate the economy and support small businesses.

If you are one of the estimated 18 million people currently receiving unemployment checks, then you probably need the money to meet basic needs for your family. And, of course, you should use the money to meet those needs.

However, if you, like me, have maintained your pre-covid level of income, the stimulus check represents extra money. How will you use this money? Many people are saving the money or paying down debt. In fact, estimates are that more about 71%% of the money distributed in the first round last spring was put into saving or debt reduction and another 18% was used for essentials. That left 11% to go back in the economy. Of that, 8% was spend on non-essential items and 3% was donated to charities. (Ben Wick, https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-savings-pay-debts-federal-reserve-cares-act-2020-10)

While it is wise to save and pay down debt, those actions do not help to stimulate the economy–and get people back to work–nor do they help our neighbors who are in need. I encourage you to consider using this third round of stimulus money in more altruistic ways.

In case you need them, here are some ideas:

  • Tithe. For most of us, this money represents an increase. God asks us to give back to His work 10 percent of our income.
  • Donations to Food Pantries. Many people in your community are relying on food pantries to meet their basic needs. Donations are up, yet there is still a significant need.
  • Purchase gift certificates from local restaurants and small shops. These businesses are still struggling and can benefit from the cash influx. My husband and I have bought gift cards that we have no intention of using. We consider the purchase of the gift cards to be donations to help ensure that our favorite restaurants and shops are still operating post-covid.
  • Donate to campaigns to help local shops and restaurants. Many small business are running fundraising events on social media platforms.
  • Shop with independent businesses. One of favorite expenditures has been ordering fresh seafood directly from fisheries. We’ve had salmon and king crab from Alaska, oysters from Pugent Bay, shrimp from New Orleans, and lobster from Maine. The seafood has been shipped directly to our house. It is fresh and delicious, and we are helping fishermen who revamped their business models when their restaurant sales declined.
  • Donations to funds to help pay for childcare and other services for lower-income workers. Many of these workers are struggling to pay for care for children who would normally be in school while they work.
  • Gifts of appreciation to front-line health care workers. Health care professionals in our area are working full-time schedules and then volunteering additional hours to vaccinate the public. There are many ways you can show your appreciation to them and support your local small businesses.

Of course, we are all praying that the vaccines work and coronavirus is soon a passing memory. In the meantime, pray and thoughtfully consider how you can help those in your community who are facing financial challenges from this pandemic.